Preparation of chimeric DNA

The main purpose of genetic engineering is to insert a DNA of inserest into a vector DNA so that the DNA fragment replicates alongwith the vector. The hybrid combination of two fragment of DNA is referred to as recombinant DNA or chimeric DNA ( chimera is a monster in greek mythology that has a lion’s head, a goat’s body and a serpent’s tail. This may be comparable to narsimha in indian mythology)
A fragment of target DNA (for human) and the vector DNA (for plasmid) produced by a specific restriction endonuclease, possing stricky ends, can be conveniently used- for the preparation of chimeric DNA. The human DNA and vector DNA with complementary sequences are annealed. The enzyme, namely DNA ligase, seals(ligates) the DNA fragments to finally produce reduce recombinant DNA.
For the ligation of two DNA fragmetnts, sometimes a synthetic DNA called a linker is used. The linkr helps for the recogntion of sequence and effective binding between the human DNA and vector DNA ( particularly with blunt ends).